As we go through our day-to-day lives, our teeth can become tired and worn. This may manifest as discoloration of the teeth, or in more severe cases, the teeth may become damaged, chipped or broken. Dental crowns are a means available to dentists to conceal the cause of a tooth that doesn’t look its best, and can be used in a variety of instances.
A dental crown can be used in these situations, either to conceal a tooth, or to protect it from further damage.
- To offer protection to a tooth that has become weak, or worn to excess; perhaps due to decay, in order to prevent it from breaking, or to hold a cracked tooth together
- To conceal and support a large filling in the tooth, such as the filling used in root canal treatment
- To support a dental bridge
- To cover misaligned, misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- To cover the titanium rod used in dental implant treatment
Typically, dental crowns are made from porcelain, although in some instances, dental crowns can be constructed from other materials, such as metals or resin. Porcelain crowns are perhaps the most commonly used, and offer the best aesthetic results over other materials, while not compromising on the function of the tooth. [pullquote]Dental crowns are a means available to dentists to conceal the cause of a tooth that doesn’t look its best, and can be used in a variety of instances.[/pullquote]
For dental crown treatment, a dentist will usually take a series of x-rays in order to check the health of the tooth and the surrounding gum and bone tissue. The affected tooth is then prepared by the dentist, which involves filing away a small amount of the tooth’s enamel along the chewing surface and sides of the tooth. In some cases, where a tooth is missing a large quantity of its structure, the affected tooth may require to be ‘bulked up’ in order to support the dental crown.
Once the tooth is shaped, impressions of the patient’s bite is taken, and sent to a dental lab for the crown to be made. In the interim, a temporary crown is fitted to protect and cover the prepared tooth. Upon delivery of the permanent crown, the dentist then bonds the crown into place over the affected tooth, restoring the look and function of the tooth and enhancing the smile.
With such a wide range of uses, from smile improvement to protecting cracked or broken teeth, its little wonder that dental crowns are a popular treatment.
If you are in need of a dental crown, or to learn more about your treatment options, contact the San Antonio office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega at 210-616-0858 today.
